CU chose realty program to help grow first mortgages, enhance the customer experience and save members’ money; independent benchmark says tactic is why CUs are beating out banks
SCOTTSDALE, AZ. and PLEASANTON, CA (March 20, 2013) – Through a new partnership with CU Realty Services, 1st United Services Credit Union (1st USCU) has begun offering members a total real estate package. The $806 million Credit Union, based in Pleasanton, Calif., is offering the CUSO’s program to help ramp up its purchase mortgage business, which it expects to see grow significantly.
“Not only will this grow our first mortgages, but it allows us to extend member service,” said Tosha Y. Eagles-Williams, Chief Lending Officer at 1st USCU. “Our members trust us to help with their financial decisions, and now we can help them find and afford the right home, or make a sale with the convenience of one-stop shopping.” CU Realty’s program assists members with all aspects of the home buying and selling process. It allows them to search through MLS listings, research neighborhoods, find capable Realtors®, and save money.
The value of 1st USCU’s member-centric strategy is borne out by a December 2012 American Customer Satisfaction Index for financial institutions, which shows credit unions know how to deliver the goods in financial services and customer satisfaction, receiving the top marks in both categories.
“1st United Services is doing exactly what the ACSI index states as the reason credit unions are gaining new members,” said Mike Corn, President/CEO of CU Realty Services. “They put members first and save them money, while banks continue to raise fees and fall down in service. Offering a program like ours is an example. It’s easy to use and soon will save members a considerable amount of money on real estate costs.”
According to Corn, the CUSO’s program returns an average of $1,500 in savings to members in the form of cash or discounts at closing through an arrangement with its network of Realtors – agents who he says are well-qualified, reliable and vested in the credit union’s success.
That’s a bonus to Eagles-Williams. “In the past, we found that managing the relationship with Realtors was difficult because the agents weren’t always accustomed to dealing with a credit union or our priorities. Now, that’s going to change."
For more information about CU Realty Services, visit www.curealty.com.
About CU Realty Services, LLC
CU Realty Services provides real estate services to credit unions across the nation, helping them increase their purchase mortgage business. Launched in 2001, the CUSO has worked with more than 100 credit unions and thousands of their members. CU Realty’s range of web-based tools helps homebuyers find homes, research neighborhoods, calculate costs, connect to experienced real estate agents, and earn a rebate. By offering this program to members, credit unions are able to achieve significant increases in their purchase mortgage business. For more information, call Tina Powers, (800) 203-9014, ext. 104, or visit www.curealty.com.
About 1st United Services Credit Union
Founded in 1932 as City & County Employees' Credit Union to serve Alameda County Employees, 1st United Services Credit Union has a long history of service in the Bay Area and has the distinction of being one of the first credit unions in the State of California. With multiple branches and more than 48,000 members, 1st United Services CU strives to deliver simpler, faster, friendlier financial services to its members. For more information, please visit www.1stuscu.org.